In-Store Asia 2019 promises exciting new retail opportunities

The 12th edition of In-store Asia, held during March 14-16 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai finished on an upbeat note promising innovative new retail possibilities in terms of store design, in-store brand visibility and retail technology solutions.

The much awaited 12th edition of In Store Asia, now a part of EuroShop Dusseldorf, the world’s #1 retail fair for all investment needs in the retail sector, held during March 14-16 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai ended after promising exciting new expectations and opportunities in the retail space. A three day expo spread over 12000 sqm of exhibition space, featuring over 150 exhibitors from India and abroad, showcased some exciting new in-store displays and retail technology solutions and facilitated fruitful business conversations between buyers and sellers in the eco system of brand visibility and communication at retail.

Exhibitors that Retail4Growth spoke to said they received “very good response” from potential clients, while brands and retail solution attending the show were near unanimous in their view that the Expo featured some “stunning displays and solutions” this year.

The two day Convention held as part of In Store Asia had some top Indian and international speakers comprising industry veterans from brands, retail design and retail solutions segments, sharing their insights on a range of topics of relevance to business decision makers in the retail eco system. Besides, there were stimulating panel discussions that led to thought provoking exchange of ideas and thoughts.

The highlight of In Store Asia 2019 was the VM&RD Awards function held on March 15th, on the 2nd day of the show at a glittering ceremony attended by business leaders and the retail design community including brands, retailers and retail solution providers.

The FOLD 2.0 of ABC EMPORIO designed by ATMOF Architects won the ‘The Store of the Year’ award. This award is selected from the nominees who get the maximum number of Gold from the Jury in the final round of jury selection. The maximum number of awards (8) were won by two companies, Four Dimensions Retail Design Pvt. Ltd (5 Gold & 3 Merit1) and Restore Design (5 Gold, 1 ‘Merit1’ and 2 ‘Merit2’ awards).

Totally 321 entries were received this year from 97 companies out of which 133 entries were selected. The entries were judged by a Jury Panel comprising some of the top global and Indian names in the retail industry. The judging process involved a specially designed digital platform and a robust scoring system that is error proof and ensures consistency.

Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf India, said, summing up this year’s In Store Asia show performance, “Retail stores built at In-Store Asia enabled a great experience of the brands making them the perfect place for the 12th edition of the event concluding successfully. In the age of social media and digital technology, the exhibitors came up with innovative ways to drive audience and differentiated themselves. In addition, positive and memorable experiences at the conference and the VMRD awards this year, have been proven to build brand loyalty and keep the community coming back for more. Also, this year VM Challenge engagement was ongoing, active and creative. All in all, In-Store Asia 2019 just delivered a unique shopping experience. At In-Store Asia, we are committed to continuously offering new ways to improve the shopping experience in order to attract the modern day consumer.”Vasant Jante, Founder & Director, In-Store Asia said that In-Store Asia essentially helps the retail sector leverage innovative new solutions and ideas in retail design, technology, retail display, visual merchandising and in-store marketing.

Many participants of In Store Asia 2019, including speakers, delegates and exhibitors, expressed their optimism regarding In Store Asia growing in scale in the coming years and evolving into an even bigger platform for the retail community.